(New York, 28 June 2012) I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, especially in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States. Hundreds of thousands of people remain trapped in the conflict zone with little access to food, water, shelter and medical services. Thousands more are crossing into neighbouring countries each day, fleeing the fighting and in search of food and other basic supplies. Since April, the number of refugees from Sudan arriving in South Sudan and Ethiopia has more than doubled, to 200,000. The new arrivals are in a desperate state, with large numbers of children in urgent need of treatment for malnutrition.

In order to respond to these growing needs, humanitarian agencies need unimpeded and complete access to all areas. I remain especially concerned that there continues to be no access to areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N). I welcome the joint World Food Programme (WFP) and Government verification exercise that recently took place in six Government-controlled areas of South Kordofan. Food distribution has begun, with the initial aim of reaching more than 100,000 people.

The Government has announced its acceptance of the Tripartite Proposal of the African Union, the Arab League and the United Nations for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States. However, the Government has laid out operational conditions that do not allow for the delivery of assistance by neutral parties in SPLM-N controlled areas.

I therefore continue to call on the Government of Sudan to deliver on its stated commitment: that assistance can reach all Sudanese people in need. UN humanitarian organizations remain committed to working with all parties to find an acceptable solution for the immediate delivery of assistance to all people in need.